News
Michael was held in high esteem across the county
A tribute by Pat Favier
The death of Michael O'Donoghue (81), Killeen, Clonkeen on Thursday last, brings to an end a remarkable lifetime of community service in Glenflesk parish.
A dairy and sheep farmer, Michael joined the local branch of Muintir na Tire at a young age, later becoming an active member of the ICMSA.
As a representative of the ICMSA, Michael was twice elected to the board of Kerry Co-op. He promoted the establishment of local drama and light entertainment in the early '60s and '70s by helping to launch the Clonkeen Drama Group which subsequently evolved into the 'Tops of the Parish' and 'Tops of the Clubs'.
Michael's unparalleled contribution to community life in Glenflesk was particularly evident in his dedication to the GAA.
Since attending his first All-Ireland final in 1956 when he crossed the field from his home to board the train at Loo Bridge Station, Michael had been an indefatigable supporter of Glenflesk, East Kerry and Kerry teams for eight decades.
As a player, administrator, supporter and mentor Michael embodied all that is best in the GAA. He was the club's first chairman of Bord na nOg and he also served three terms as chairman of the senior board.
His greatest sporting satisfaction occurred in the year 2000 when the Sam Maguire cup was brought to Glenflesk by Seamus Moynihan and John Crowley, and later the same year when Glenflesk won the Millennium Cup.
During his first term as chairman Michael was conscious of the need to provide permanent playing facilities for the youth of the parish.
For many years the club had been dependent on the kindness of local farmers to provide a field for training and playing games.
The last temporary venue was at Murphy's field in Knockanes for which Michael secured the goal posts from his neighbour Jimmy Cronin. He oversaw the purchase and development of suitable grounds at Curreal and he was a proud man when St Agatha's Park was officially opened in 1976.
In a fitting finale, as Michael's remains were lowered to their final resting place in Killaha Graveyard under the shadow of O'Donoghue's Castle on Saturday morning, resounded the strains of 'Glenflesk of You We Are Proud'.
He was pre-deceased by his wife Anne (nee O'Driscoll) and sister Lily. He is sadly missed by this loving family, son Fionnan, daughters Mary, Sinéad, Mairéad and Michelle, daughter-in-law Alison, sons-in-law John and Peter, his grandchildren Alexandra, Buster, Isabelle, Shane, Abby and Luke, brothers Paddy and John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen and Anna, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Condolences to all the O’Donoghue family and may Michael’s soul rest in peace.
Killarney National Park Autumn Talks up and running
Following a successful opening presentation by award-winning photographer James Crombie on the mesmerising starling murmuration’s of Lough Ennell, the 38th annual Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series continues next week with a focus on Irish biodiversity.
The lineup for Thursday, October 15, features guest speaker Professor Grace McCormack of University College Galway, who will present a talk on “The Importance of Native Honeybees and Other Pollinators and Current Threats to Their Survival”.
Prof. McCormack’s address will explore the vital role native bees play in local ecosystems, the environmental pressures threatening their populations, and the conservation efforts required to ensure their survival.
Last night’s (October 8) opening talk, saw Inpho Sports Photography staff photographer James Crombie kick off the six-week series.
Crombie, named Irish Press Photographer of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2025, shared the story behind his famous images documenting Westmeath’s starling displays, which reached millions of viewers worldwide.
The Autumn Talks Series runs weekly for six weeks in the Killarney House Auditorium (V93 HE3C) at 8.00pm. Admission is free, though seating is limited. All presentations are also live streamed via the Killarney National Park Facebook page.
MESMERISING NATURE: Multi-award-winning photographer James Crombie, who opened the 38th annual Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series with a presentation on his famous starling murmuration photographs.
Missing Killarney chef located dead in UK
A 34-year search for missing former Killarney chef Patrick (Patsy) O’Sullivan ended following confirmation that he was located deceased in the UK.
Patsy was 35 years old when last seen by relatives in Lombardstown, County Cork, during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in April 1992. At the time of his disappearance, he was working as a chef in Waterville, having previously worked across several Killarney hotels. He was scheduled to attend a family Christening shortly after returning from Kerry, but never arrived.
Despite decades of public appeals, including features on RTÉ’s Crimecall, his location remained unknown.
Investigations revealed that Patsy moved to the UK and changed his name to Patrick Aldridge in 1995, adopting the surname of his partner who passed away in 2022. He passed away from natural causes on July 5, 2024, living just over an hour away from his brother who also passed away in the UK last year.
Speaking on Cork’s 96FM, his brother Jerry O’Sullivan confirmed the family finally received closure following renewed efforts led by Garda PJ Roche and investigating officers. He noted that while unanswered questions remain about why Patsy started over fresh, the family is grateful for the work that brought final answers.
An Garda Síochána confirmed the missing person case is closed and thanked the public for their assistance over the years.
IN MEMORY: Patrick (Patsy) O’Sullivan, a native of North Cork who worked as a chef in Killarney and Waterville, went missing in April 1992 and was located deceased in the UK. Photo: Garda Press Office.
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